OPEN DOOR TO OTHER DIMENSIONS

By likemindblog

Richard Benoit

RICHARD BENOIT: “Paintings are like poetry. If their meaning isn’t completely spelled out or absolutely clear, that meaning will rustle about like dried leaves and eventually come to settle.” What a great way to describe art. Let us journey into Richard’s magical world of shapes and colours where imagination soars as it is set free!

Richard Benoit, thank you for the time you made within an incredibly busy schedule, to share your thoughts with us by answering the following questions:

1) What is art to and for you?

1: Art, for me, is a way to keep connected to an inner voice. It’s sort of like a navigating device or a method for me to check my course. Art is a way for me to bring the results of that inner dialogue to the surface so that they can be shared with others. When someone says that they have used one of my pieces for inspiration or as a catalyst for some discovery of their own it’s very rewarding. I feel like my efforts have been validated and the whole process has been worthwhile.

2) What inspires you?

2: Inspiration comes at all times of the day and night. It can be triggered by any visual, intellectual or emotional moment. For a. second you can glimpse a finished piece and it’s complete place in your life…it’s meaning and reason of significance. It all changes though the minute you start working on it. It’s like a beast that has to be dealt with. Maybe the best way to tame it isn’t to try and subdue it but to let it take you where it will. At the end of the process it’s just as much a revelation to me as to anyone else.

As of These

3) Where does it take you while you are creating, painting, where does your mind travel?

3:The actual act of painting is a continuation of the inner dialogue that I spoke of earlier but is in on a more practical level…how can I get this effect…should I really move it in this direction. I have talked to other artists that say they work completely intuitively, hardly any conscience thought. I agree that the best and most meaningful work is done when you can suppress the internal editor. Just let it flow out.

4) Do you think visual art, music and health are related?

4: Painting and all the arts are intertwined with life in a spiral of synchronicity. When you hear a great piece of music or see an inspiring painting, attend a play or even read a piece of poetry in resonance through your whole being. It can drop your blood pressure and give you a sense of peace and centeredness.

5) How do you feel when you are painting?

5: I loose track of time completely. It’s like I’m in another dimension. If things are going well it’s exhilarating and if I’m struggling it’s suffocating.

6) Do you identify with your subject?

6: My subjects aren’t literal so that’s hard to answer. I do, however, feel connected with the piece in a strong visceral sense.

7) When do you do your best work?

7: I work whenever my schedule allows. I have a lot of irons in the fire…masks that I have to wear so I paint when I can. Early morning is usually the best (when I haven’t yet picked up the day’s residue) but that seldom is an option. When the results start to come anytime is good.

To Become

8) Does art help you connect with your “higher” self?

8: Your art IS you. If you’re honest it comes from deep deep inside…the primordial…the you that you share with everyone else. That’s precisely why it can be so scary at times.

9) Richard, I’ve asked you to send me a photo of your favorite paintings and have also asked you why they are your favorite?

I like these paintings because they are somewhat uncontrollable. I just set up a situation and let them develop on their own. I get the sensation, while looking at them, that they aren’t ever really complete. It feels like they’re just at a particular state and that if you would check back later they would have changed a bit. The upper section of white has a very spiritual feeling about it. It’s as though something is washing those pods with a cleansing power. I think I can talk too much. I should just let them be.

Richard, thank you for giving us something to really ponder upon. It is refreshing to hear the artist’s point of view rather than an interpretation by someone other of what the artist thinks! It was a pleasure. Until the next time, be well!

To find out more about Richard Benoit and view more of his wonderful art, please visit his site at: http://www.rbenoit.com

A question to you, the reader, what are your thoughts on this article?